The 21st Annual Cottage Grove Community Showcase took place Saturday, April 25 from 10 am. to 2 p.m. in the Park High Activity Center at Park High School, located off 80th Street South in Cottage Grove.
The day was structured as a continuous, family-friendly event centered around live entertainment on the main stage, supported by a wide variety of local vendors, organizations, and interactive booths. The entertainment began at 10:00 a.m. with a welcome from Paula Skoviera and a musical performance by Nick Hyde, followed by a steady flow of short, engaging presentations every 15–30 minutes. Highlights included educational demonstrations such as the Carpenter Nature Center and 3M Wizards, student involvement via Park High’s Data Bits 3883 robotics team, and interactive crowd moments like the Mascot Dance-Off at 11:45 a.m., won by Susie Strawberry.
Midday programming featured a martial arts demonstration by National Karate, a K-9 police demonstration with K9 officers Scout, Odin, and their handlers, and a performance by Untamed Magic, which kept energy high for families. The event concluded with a 1:30 p.m. wrap-up and prize drawing, encouraging attendees to stay engaged throughout the day.
Surrounding the stage, the Community Showcase booths were organized into rows of vendors and included a dedicated Kids Area by 02B that offered activities like kids crafts and painting, making the event especially accessible for families. Vendors represented a mix of local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and service providers, which created a blend of shopping, learning, and community engagement opportunities. The layout also featured seating near the stage, allowing attendees to comfortably watch performances while exploring nearby booths.
Vendors at the 21st Annual Community Showcase included the following:
• 3M Wizards
• Carpenter Nature Center
• Park High 3883 Data Bits Team
• National Karate Academy & Martial Arts
• Untamed Magic
• CG Journal
• WCGA / LVW
• Xcel Energy
• Merchants Bank
• Squeegee Squad
• Dodge Nature Center
• Pink Slip Solutions
• SowashCo Schools
• Big Frog
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
• Police Foundation / CG Police / CG Fire
• City of Cottage Grove
• Grey Cloud Outdoors
• Gateway Fiber
• MD’s Heating
• Renewal by Andersen
• Energy Savers
• Craftsman Renovation
• ICC Realty Group
• Coldwell Banker Realty
• Kids Craft / Buy w/ Mo Kids Painting
• YMCA
• Canvas Health
• Chamber
• Friends in Need
• Basic Needs
• Northern Lights
• Synergy Home Care
• True Self
• The Wellness Way
• Grove Family
• Optimal Health/TFW
• Jean Braun / Home Watch / DARTS
• Spangler & de Stefano

Now over for present, the Community Showcase returns next year.